The Old Hatchery
Drak Gardens Road P O Box 577, Underberg 3257 South Africa
Full view
View all photos(90)90
Room & Suite (26)
Dining (6)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
Avg. RÂ 999 /night, 12/7 - 12/8
RÂ 1,744
per night
RÂ 872
per night
RÂ 0
per night
Dec
Jan
07 Dec
09 Dec
11 Dec
13 Dec
15 Dec
17 Dec
19 Dec
21 Dec
23 Dec
25 Dec
27 Dec
29 Dec
31 Dec
02 Jan
04 Jan
06 Jan
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.0
#5 of 11 B&Bs in UnderbergLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Affordable and comfortable B&B and self-catering accommodationjust 10 KM from Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg. We provide free parking, free wi-fi and an al-a carte restaurant on site. Our tranquil setting, located near horse riding trails, mountain biking trails, hiking routes, golf courses, trout fishing waters and of course the famous Sani Pass. We are situated 1,5 hours from Howick on the N3 Route and 1 hour from Kokstad, making Underberg the ideal location from which to explore the majestic mountains of the Southern Drakensberg. We are on the route between Johannesburg and seaside resorts of the South Coast and Wild Coast making this the ideal location to stopover for the night. We offer bed and breakfast, room only, self-catering and full board options in our various units.Reasons to visit The Old Hatchery and Underberg • Guided Sani Pass 4x4 trips • Mountain hiking • Horse riding trails • Trout fishing • Mountain biking
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Wine / champagne
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Housekeeping
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
Drak Gardens Road P O Box 577, Underberg 3257 South Africa
Getting there
King Shaka Intl Airport
164 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
11 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
3 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
166Reviews1Q+A19Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 51
- 59
- 34
- 13
- 9
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
We spent a night here and found the room very comfortable and the bath and kitchenette clean. The restaurant was a short walk away which was great as I love food on site. Unfortunately there were no vegetarian burgers available so I had veg curry which tasted healthy and filled the gap but needed a bit more oomph. The dam is stunning and we saw a lot of birdlife within a short time, could sit there all day admiring the view, very relaxing. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I visited The Hatchery for lunch a few days ago. The service was excellent. The food was really delicious. Beautiful deck outside with flower baskets and plenty of tables with lovely views. We sat inside as it was chilly. Very cosy and welcoming inside. Highly recommended for a quiet meal or a social gathering. Thank you!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I stayed at The Old Hatchery for our 5th Wedding Anniversary in April 2014. We were so impressed with our stay. The staff were all extremely helpful and friendly. Excellent service! The food at the restaurant was also really wonderful! We were very glad that we decided to largely eat in the restaurant (prices were reasonable too), although the self-catering facilities were adequate. Our room was clean, and had winter sheets, a fire place (it was amazing to go to sleep with a fire roaring in the room) and hot water bottles to ward off the cold. I would recommend packing an electric blanket for the early hours of the morning though. The trout dam is right near the cabins, and was lots of fun. Rivers close by, lovely walks, stunning scenery. It is also very easy to find.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â We stayed in Cabin 6 (self catering) and it was the closest one to the dam so we felt it had the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NUDShellBell, Owner at The Old Hatchery
Responded 12 May 2014
Dear Kerry I'm glad that you have good memories of Underberg. Thank you for your advice on the electric blankets. We went to Durban just this weekend and bought for all the cabins. Take care Shelley
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arrived Dec 15.
- No hot water
- No soap or shampoo
- cheapest 1 ply loo roll
We had booked for the one night at the start of a motorcycle tour and returned at the end of the tour. To late to find parking for our vehicles and no option to return at tour end.
On our return we were heading for bed when a large group of guests arrived drunk and rowdy (11pm). Owners simply allowed them to stay. They partied, screamed and jumped up and down above us until we eventually left at 3;50 am without any sleep. Owners of the Hatchery only responded to my messages at 9;30 the following day. First message sent before 12pm. Bearing in mind we had 1450km drive back to Cape Town the next day, on zero sleep.
To add insult were overcharged by R200 rand per person per night and the owner refuses to respond to my messages. (we arrived back tired from our tour and presented with the bill to pay). I paid and only later the next day checked the emailed quotes sent to me.
- No hot water
- No soap or shampoo
- cheapest 1 ply loo roll
We had booked for the one night at the start of a motorcycle tour and returned at the end of the tour. To late to find parking for our vehicles and no option to return at tour end.
On our return we were heading for bed when a large group of guests arrived drunk and rowdy (11pm). Owners simply allowed them to stay. They partied, screamed and jumped up and down above us until we eventually left at 3;50 am without any sleep. Owners of the Hatchery only responded to my messages at 9;30 the following day. First message sent before 12pm. Bearing in mind we had 1450km drive back to Cape Town the next day, on zero sleep.
To add insult were overcharged by R200 rand per person per night and the owner refuses to respond to my messages. (we arrived back tired from our tour and presented with the bill to pay). I paid and only later the next day checked the emailed quotes sent to me.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Avoid all if the owners attitude is tough luck for bad service and they don't adhere to a...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had booked a fishing cottage for 3 nights in Dec and paid the deposit, only to find on arrival we had been double booked. We dealt with Busi.
Thank goodness the owner very kindly found us somewhere to stay down the road, which we were very happy with in the end.
We then went to eat dinner there and were extremely disappointed that the lamb shank that we had read about was not available and in fact lots of things weren't on offer. The dinner was very disappointing, the fish dry and not impressed with oven chips.
Thank goodness the owner very kindly found us somewhere to stay down the road, which we were very happy with in the end.
We then went to eat dinner there and were extremely disappointed that the lamb shank that we had read about was not available and in fact lots of things weren't on offer. The dinner was very disappointing, the fish dry and not impressed with oven chips.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â I would only choose the fishing cottage
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This accommodation was booked early February for a 2 night stay in July. Based on the superb, professionally taken photo's on the website, I was convinced this was to be an upmarket stay at a delightful lodge. The R2,000 odd cost per night (2 x adults and 2 x small children incl breakfast) further reinforced this opinion. We paid a R1,000 odd deposit to secure the booking.
On arrival, the place was a mess! The outside eating area / reception area was dirty. Littered with old benches covered in plastic table cloths surrounded by a few old gas braais'. We received the keys to our R2,000 a night unit and pointed in the direction to drive.
From the outside, the lodging had the appearance of a square double story block of flats or a school hostel. The front door virtually fell off its hinges when I opened it. The door lead to a common area which was cold and uninviting. I was now very sceptical! I unlocked the door to our unit. I was greeted by a small simple bedroom, leading onto a bathroom with no shower. This bathroom had doors on both ends and was shared by a second small bedroom on the other end. This 2nd bedroom was equally simple. The decorations of these rooms gave me flashbacks to the 70's and 80's.
Unfortunately I cannot provide much further detail of the room and its issues. After glancing at my wife, who by now had tears in her eyes, I was not prepared to stay any longer in the room.
We immediately walked outside and phoned another lodge requesting available accommodation. Fortunately there was accommodation available. We proceeded back to the reception to hand back the keys. I explained to the lady at the desk, in no uncertain terms, that I could never allow my family to sleep in the room we were given. And that for R2,000 per night, I feel that I had most definitely been intentionally deceived and ripped off. I proceeded to ask that the owner to call me back, and, if I would get my R1,000 deposit back? Ten days later, I have still not heard from the Old Hatchery.
Long story short. This place is nothing like the website portrays! There is no way it should be demanding the prices it is. It should rather be closed down or turned into a R100 per night backpackers!
On arrival, the place was a mess! The outside eating area / reception area was dirty. Littered with old benches covered in plastic table cloths surrounded by a few old gas braais'. We received the keys to our R2,000 a night unit and pointed in the direction to drive.
From the outside, the lodging had the appearance of a square double story block of flats or a school hostel. The front door virtually fell off its hinges when I opened it. The door lead to a common area which was cold and uninviting. I was now very sceptical! I unlocked the door to our unit. I was greeted by a small simple bedroom, leading onto a bathroom with no shower. This bathroom had doors on both ends and was shared by a second small bedroom on the other end. This 2nd bedroom was equally simple. The decorations of these rooms gave me flashbacks to the 70's and 80's.
Unfortunately I cannot provide much further detail of the room and its issues. After glancing at my wife, who by now had tears in her eyes, I was not prepared to stay any longer in the room.
We immediately walked outside and phoned another lodge requesting available accommodation. Fortunately there was accommodation available. We proceeded back to the reception to hand back the keys. I explained to the lady at the desk, in no uncertain terms, that I could never allow my family to sleep in the room we were given. And that for R2,000 per night, I feel that I had most definitely been intentionally deceived and ripped off. I proceeded to ask that the owner to call me back, and, if I would get my R1,000 deposit back? Ten days later, I have still not heard from the Old Hatchery.
Long story short. This place is nothing like the website portrays! There is no way it should be demanding the prices it is. It should rather be closed down or turned into a R100 per night backpackers!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were very disappointed with this accommodation. The lamps in our room didn't work, cracked toilet seat, the sheets on the bed were dirty, the duvet was so flat it could not be classified as a duvet and the pillows just as flat - 'the old hatchery' - yes, old indeed. The room was dirty - spider webs in the broken lamps and a sticky table. We were in a downstairs room and could hear every step the upstairs guest took with extra creaks. The restaurant only opens for dinner at 6pm which is normal in sure but presents a problem for small children who need to be fed earlier. The reception and restaurant area looks like it needs some TLC too.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely place. The bedrooms were spacious in the guest house and huge bathrooms. The staff were welcoming at the beginning and maintained their pleasant demeanor throughout our stay. The food was excellent as well. Well worth a visit if in the Underberg area.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NUDShellBell, Owner at The Old Hatchery
Responded 12 May 2014
Thank you for your lovely comments Take care Shelley
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a wonderful visit to the Old Hatchery in January. Fantastic hosts, great room with all the creature comforts - including an amazing kitchen for self-catering - and in the middle of the beautiful mountains. The restaurant is awesome - I would highly recommend the brinjal stack!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2012Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived on a could, rainy and misty day. Nobody in the reception so we waited until after several minutes one of the staff came up and led us to our room. A really nice and spacy room and a huge bathroom with a buthtub for two. But no explanations about the facility, the room or the heating. And boy it was cold. Only the next morning we found out about the floorheating. But it took another 24hrs to warm the room. Luckily enough we got a heating fan from the restaurant, so we survived.
The place itself is really nice and a good stop to explore the Umkahlamba/Drakensberg region. We made a tour up the Sanipass to Lesotho and were picked up early in the morning from our tourguide at the Old Hatchery.
The restaurant offers good meals but isn't always open in this time of the year. And other restaurants are quite distant with streets full of potholes. Better don't drive in the dark.
The place itself is really nice and a good stop to explore the Umkahlamba/Drakensberg region. We made a tour up the Sanipass to Lesotho and were picked up early in the morning from our tourguide at the Old Hatchery.
The restaurant offers good meals but isn't always open in this time of the year. And other restaurants are quite distant with streets full of potholes. Better don't drive in the dark.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jblane_12, Owner at The Old Hatchery
Responded 17 May 2012
Apologies for not being here the day you arrived - annual family dentist visit in Pietermaritzburg. Since 1 May we are back to owner / managing the restaurant and are accessible all the time but we do close every Tuesday so that the staff get some time to spend with their families.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have worked hard upgrading and everyone seams happy and content. The restaurant has excellent reports.
We look forward to meeting you and hope you enjoy your stay.
Kathy
"Avoid all if the owners attitude is tough luck for bad service and they don't adhere to a written quotation."Read full review
"Otter's Den is similar to a time share unit that can be split up into self catering and bed and breakfast."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 999 - RÂ 1,035 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalDrakensberg RegionUnderberg
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingTHE OLD HATCHERY - B&B Reviews & Price Comparison (Underberg, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Hatchery
Which popular attractions are close to The Old Hatchery?
Nearby attractions include Sani Spoors (7.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Old Hatchery?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Old Hatchery?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Old Hatchery?
Conveniently located restaurants include Lemon Tree Bistro, The Olde Duck, and Stone House Kitchen Himeville.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Old Hatchery?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.